Growing Harvest Ag Network

Late in 2025, USDA announced the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program that set aside $12 billion in assistance for U.S. farmers and ranchers. Faith Parum, an economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, says rates vary based on each eligible crop.

NAFB News Service

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USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says there are few exceptions nationwide in the weather pattern of near to above normal temperatures and near to below normal precipitation for the period of January 13 – 19.

USDA Radio Newsline

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The U.S. pork industry has a busy to-do list of issues to advocate for or against in the new year. Lucy Russell, director of producer engagement with the National Pork Producers Council, talks about the work ahead in 2026.

NAFB News Service

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Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg discusses the emphasis on improved buyer-seller relationships in ag trade, and in turn, increased product sales for U.S. ag exports.

USDA Radio Newsline

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The USDA’s Economic Research Service said 13.7 percent of U.S. households, or 18.3 million, were food insecure in 2024. Food-insecure households, or those with low or very-low food security, had difficulty at some time during the year providing enough food for all their members because of a lack of resources. 

NAFB News Service

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Farmers need rules that clearly define federal jurisdiction of the Waters of the United States, or WOTUS. The American Farm Bureau submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers.

NAFB News Service

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Jenna Stanton, director of policy and public affairs for the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, shared a recap of issues that impacted the cattle industry in 2025 on Capitol Hill.

NAFB News Service

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Patrick DeHaan with Gasbuddy.com says there were two key international issues that pushed oil prices lower in 2025.

NAFB News Service

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Despite challenges from supply, tariffs and a strong dollar, demand for U.S. beef, pork and lamb has remained strong in 2025 according to U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom.

Source: USMEF

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Beef prices are expected to continue climbing in the coming year as tight cattle supplies in the United States and abroad strain the global market, analysts said. U.S. cattle inventories remain near multi-decade lows following years of drought that forced ranchers to shrink herds.

NAFB News Service

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Farm Rescue is a nonprofit that serves Midwest agricultural states.

NAFB News Service

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This NDSU Ag Minute features Travis Hoffman, NDSU and UMN Extension Sheep Specialist. Hoffman offers some advice to sheep producers who are preparing for lambing season. 

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The latest federal hog inventory report shows modest changes in U.S. hog numbers, underscoring continued uncertainty for pork producers heading into the new year. USDA data indicates that total hog and pig inventories are slightly higher than a year ago, while the breeding herd remains relatively stable.

NAFB News Service

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A recent Pork Checkoff-funded study focused on older adults and compared two nutritional lifestyle diets — one centered on lentil protein and the other on lean, fresh pork. Researchers wanted to determine whether the type of protein source and overall diet composition influenced health outcomes.

NAFB News Service

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Effects continue due to a surprising USDA report in August reflecting the size of the 2025 corn crop. Rod Bain with USDA has the story.

USDA Radio Newsline

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USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey has a look at the forecast for January 6-12. 

USDA Radio Newsline

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Rusty Halvorson shares audio from the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Trade Talk event - featuring news from partners with Farm Credit, CLAAS of America, PTx and Koch Agronomic Services.

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The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service announced the establishment of a “batching deadline” of January 15, 2026, for the first funding round of key conservation programs. 

NAFB News Service

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Dr. Dave Ripplinger, NDSU Extension Bioproducts / Bioenergy Economist, discusses several bioenergy products and the economics of those products. 

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The Environmental Protection Agency proposed a new Waters of the U.S. Rule to give U.S. agriculture more clarity on what constitutes an actual water of the U.S. 

NAFB News Service

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The USDA is accepting applications for its agribusiness trade mission to the Philippines, taking place April 13–16, 2026. U.S. exporters interested in exploring trade opportunities in the Philippines’ thriving market and rapidly growing economy must apply by Friday, January 9, 2026.

NAFB News Service

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Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins and the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees will all be featured speakers at the American Farm Bureau Convention.

NAFB Convention

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What were some of the threats of farm animal disease this year and what did it mean for various parts of the livestock industry? Rod Bain with USDA has the story.

USDA Radio Newsline

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The Trump administration is deploying about $11 billion to crop producers by the end of February through what they're calling a bridge payment. 

NAFB News Service

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What were some of the effects of outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in commercial poultry operations in 2025, and what is the outlook for year's end into 2026. Rod Bain with USDA has the story. 

USDA Radio Newsline

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There is notable comparison between the economies of crop and livestock growers over 2025. Rod Bain with USDA has the story.

USDA Radio Newsline

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Visit tastewhatporkcando.org for inspiration on how to incorporate pork into your holiday gatherings and beyond.

NAFB News Service

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The four rules of food safety should always be a consideration when putting out charcuterie boards for your holiday event, according to a USDA food safety expert. Rod Bain with USDA has the story.

USDA Radio Newsline

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CattleCon 2026 is rapidly approaching, and there will be plenty of “don’t-miss” events on the schedule. The largest beef and cattle industry event of the year will be in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, February 3-5.

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We visit with Chris Sherman, CEO of Tech Support Farm, about the importance of protecting your farm from ransomware attacks. 

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A familiar voice in the U.S. dairy industry is calling it a career. Chris Galen, the senior vice president of member service and governance for the National Milk Producers Federation, is retiring after 28 years. Galen said he’s seen some changes over the years.

NAFB News Service

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The past year included many challenges for U.S. agriculture and the organizations that work to influence positive policy for farmers and ranchers. Joby Young, the executive vice president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, said despite the challenges, there were still some big wins for U.S. agriculture. 

NAFB News Service

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With U.S. efforts to keep African Swine Fever away from our nation's pig herds, advice to travelers going to ASF free zones this holiday is do not bring pork back. Rod Bain with USDA has the story.

USDA Radio Newsline

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Rusty Halvorson shares audio from the National Association of Farm Broadcasting's Trade Talk event at the Westin Crown in Kansas City.

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The latest research from an AARP survey shows 89 percent of U.S. consumers were targeted by fraud during the last year.

NAFB News Service

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North Dakota State University’s Carrington Research Extension Center will hold its annual NDSU Feedlot School on Jan. 21-22, 2026.

Source: NDSU Extension

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will spend several months gathering information about farm economics from farmers and ranchers throughout the United States, as the agency conducts the third and final phase of the 2025 Agricultural Resource Management Survey.

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service

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Nicole Wardner with the North Dakota Beef Commission offers a few ideas if you are looking to save a few dollars on your holiday meal. 

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Several rely on budgets for buying Christmas and holiday gifts, but what are some ways to keep within your budget this season? Rod Bain with USDA has the story.

USDA Radio Newsline

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Nicole Wardner with the North Dakota Beef Commission offers a few ideas if you are looking to save a few dollars on your holiday meal. 

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USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says above normal temperatures in most of the country and a mix of precipitation is in the national weather forecast for the period of December 23 - 29. 

USDA Radio Newsline

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The U.S. agricultural export scenario experienced a transformation in 2025, with diversification of export destinations emerging as an important factor for both the corn and soybean markets.

NAFB News Service

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This NDSU Ag Minute features Madeleine Smith, NDSU Extension Pesticide Specialist. Smith discusses the details and importance of the NDSU Extension Certification Program. 

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Rachel Gibbs, Extension Livestock Specialist at the Hettinger Research Extension Center. Gibbs offers some advice to producers who are preparing for calving season. 

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More reports are surfacing that a rising percentage of ag lenders appear not to be renewing some farm loans for 2026. Rob Larew, the president of the National Farmers Union, discusses the details. 

NAFB News Service

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Onida, SD producer Chuck Todd was re-elected as NSA Board President at the NSA board meeting, held on December 3-4.

National Sunflower Association

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This NDSU Ag Minute features Rachel Gibbs, Extension Livestock Specialist at the Hettinger Research Extension Center. Gibbs offers some advice to producers who are preparing for their calving and lambing seasons. 

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World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski says projected price strength for turkeys is reflected in this month's price forecasts for 2025 and 2026.

USDA Radio Newsline

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If a large cut of meat is the main item of your Christmas or holiday meal, get to know a food thermometer to know the minimum safe internal cooking temperature. Rod Bain with USDA as the story.

USDA Radio Newsline

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USDA food safety expert Meredith Carothers explains why using a food thermometer is important to check the safe internal temperature for a large cut of meat.

USDA Radio Newsline

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USDA recently announced $12 billion is available for a Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, and the first deadline for getting signed up for the financial assistance is this week. Richard Fordyce, USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation, said the first thing farmers need to do is submit an acreage report.

NAFB News Service

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Risk Management Agency Administrator Pat Swanson explains an adjustment under Expanding Access to Risk Protection streamlining production reporting by crop growers to their insurance providers.

USDA Radio Newsline

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Every five years, the Dietary Guidelines are updated and released, based on current recommendations made by a scientific advisory committee. The guidelines were due to be updated this year, but are now being pushed to early 2026. 

NAFB News Service

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Dan Halstrom, president and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation, says 2024 closed out as a record year in both volume and value, underscoring strong demand and the competitiveness of U.S. Pork worldwide.

NAFB News Service

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Some analysts are looking to January’s WASDE report with anticipation. Naomi Blohm, Senior Market Advisor with Total Farm Marketing, says one of the positive factors for corn farmers at the moment is the continuing good demand.

NAFB News Service

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USDA this month continues to raise the level of projected record world wheat production, but which nations are major contributors to the latest forecast? Rod Bain with USDA has the story.

USDA Radio Newsline

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World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski discusses a forecasted month-over-month increase in exports in USDA's December domestic corn supply and demand estimate.

USDA Radio Newsline

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World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski provides details from both the domestic and global soybean supply and demand estimates for this month.

USDA Radio Newsline

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The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will conduct the 2025 Organic Survey. In early December, NASS will mail survey codes to respondents with an invitation to reply online.

NAFB News Service

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Mike Stranz, Vice President of Advocacy for the National Farmers Union, discusses the challenges of hiring farm labor. 

NAFB News Service

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Rusty Halvorson and Sarah Heinrich share some of the week's top stories in agriculture.

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USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says a mix of temperature ranges and precipitation possibilities are in the nationwide weather forecast for the period of December 16 - 22.

USDA Radio Newsline

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This NDSU Ag Minute features Carlos Pires, NDSU Extension Soil Health Specialist. Pires has some soil management advice for producers as well details on a dirt workshop taking place January 14 and 15th. 

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According to Statistics Canada data, 2025 Canadian sunflower seed production is estimated at 69,128 metric tons, which is up 36% from 2024.

National Sunflower Association

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The November Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer had an interesting question about financial assistance for farmers and what they would do with the funds to help their operations.

NAFB News Service

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The December World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates Report shows this month’s 2025-2026 U.S. corn outlook is for greater exports and lower ending stocks.

NAFB News Service

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Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce provides some of the information producers should know about the recently announced Farmer Bridge Assistance program.

USDA Radio Newsline

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Following the success of its 40th music anniversary and food festival in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Farm Aid said it’s distributing over $1.3 million in grant funding this year to support family farmers.

NAFB News Service

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The federal truck weight limit hasn’t been updated since the 1980s and remains capped at 80,000 pounds.

NAFB News Service

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It’s time to rethink the farm safety net. That’s the conclusion of Mike Stranz, vice president of advocacy for the National Farmers Union.

NAFB News Service

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Mark Watne, North Dakota Farmers Union President, has the highlights of the upcoming 99th annual state convention. 

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Lori Stevermer, past president of the National Pork Producers Council, said the Farm Bill was a big topic of discussion during her year in the office.

NAFB News Service

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Michael Harvey, executive director of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance, said the upcoming review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement was a big focus of discussions during a recent trip to Washington D.C.

NAFB News Service

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Dan Halstrom, president and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation, says everyone is feeling the pinch, with some worse than others, but the meat industry is hanging on.

NAFB News Service

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USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says a dividing line for temperatures and a mix of precipitation possibilities are in the forecast for the period of December 9 - 15.

USDA Radio Newsline

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Entities involved in ag trade market development and promotion are among those eligible to apply for funding under USDA’s recently announced America First Trade Promotion Program. Rod Bain with USDA has the story.

USDA Radio Newsline

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Rusty Halvorson and Sarah Heinrich share some of the week's top stories in agriculture.

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USDA says inspections of corn for delivery declined week to week, while soybean assessments improved for the week ending on November 27. 

NAFB News Service

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During a recent phone call with Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall took the opportunity to discuss two important issues facing agriculture.

NAFB News Service

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Exports of kernel are down 7% from a year ago, from 3,235 metric tons to 3,014 MT from October 2024 to August 2025. Canada remains the top importer of U.S. sunflower kernel, importing 1,999 MT.

National Sunflower Association 

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North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring encourages farmers that have been affected by the Hansen-Mueller bankruptcy to file claims with the bankruptcy court. Hansen-Mueller is a nationwide commodity trading and logistics company that specializes in grain, oilseeds and feed ingredients.

Source: North Dakota Department of Agriculture

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Jeff Hamre with Proseed talks more about the 2025 growing season.

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The U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council’s 2025-2026 Corn Harvest Quality Report contained some good news about this year’s large corn crop.

NAFB News Service

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A scheduled review of the USMCA trade pact is set for 2026.

NAFB News Service

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Austin Peiffer, Associate Attorney with Ag and Business Legal Strategies, says buying an expensive purchase to save on taxes may not be the best strategy.

NAFB News Service

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The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative  will hold a public hearing this week, December 3-5, on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. The hearing is in anticipation of a scheduled review of the trade pact set for 2026.

Source: USMEF

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Cattle supplies blamed for high beef prices remain tight, according to the latest USDA cattle reports. USDA livestock analyst Michael McConnell has the details.

NAFB News Service

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Civil Eats reports that the flu has infected and killed more than 8.9 million turkeys, chickens, and ducks in the U.S. since September.

NAFB News Service

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What are some of the results to date of a recent USDA-led agricultural trade mission to Mexico? Rod Bain with USDA has the story.

USDA Radio Newsline

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North Dakota Farmers Union will host its annual state convention Friday, Dec. 12, at the Bismarck Event Center.  The 110th South Dakota Farmers Union State Convention will take place in Huron on December 10 and 11.  

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Whitney Hemmer, a registered dietitian with Fareway Meat and Grocery, says pork opens the door to a variety of delicious options for the holiday meal.

NAFB News Service

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Nicole Wardner with the North Dakota Beef Commission talks about the value you get when purchasing beef.

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The Agri-Biz Show features the week's top stories in agriculture and agribusiness news, with Rusty Halvorson and Sarah Heinrich.

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A newly launched USDA web resource provides comprehensive data for the public and stakeholders on New World Screwworm prevention and detection efforts. Rod Bain with USDA has the story.

USDA Radio Newsline

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USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey discusses the final sunflower harvest progress numbers for this year.

USDA Radio Newsline

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USDA forecasts for increased wheat yields and production play a role in both larger ending stock numbers and a lower season-ending average price estimate.

NAFB News Service

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There are two methods that frozen, even partially, frozen turkeys should not be cooked from a food safety perspective at Thanksgiving, or any time. Rod Bain with USDA has the story.

USDA Radio Newsline

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This Farm Talk segment features Jory Hansen, an industry representative for the North Dakota Corn Growers Association. Hansen works for Light House Commodities and discusses the current corn market, as well as the push for year-round E15.

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South Dakota State University Extension is inviting everyone to attend its virtual Annie’s Project workshops in January and February. 

South Dakota State University Extension 

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Nicole Wardner with the North Dakota Beef Commission offers some ideas on how you can add beef to your holiday gathering. 

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